Method and apparatus for objective evaluation of patient ambulation, balance and weight bearing status
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for determining the ambulation capacity of a user comprising:
- a user moveable frame for supporting the user during ambulation, said frame being moveable by the user to support the user in ambulation,handle means on said frame for receiving the force of the weight of an ambulating user,means for measuring the force thereon as user body weight is supported by said frame during ambulation, andmeans for determining the distance said frame is moved by a user during ambulation.
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Abstract
A walker is provided which is equipped with detectors for measuring various loads and torques placed thereon by a user including right side and left side loads as well as torque loads on the handles of the walker and having time and distance detectors to allow the ambulation status of a user to be progressively monitored by medical personnel.
59 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for determining the ambulation capacity of a user comprising:
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a user moveable frame for supporting the user during ambulation, said frame being moveable by the user to support the user in ambulation, handle means on said frame for receiving the force of the weight of an ambulating user, means for measuring the force thereon as user body weight is supported by said frame during ambulation, and means for determining the distance said frame is moved by a user during ambulation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An apparatus for determining the ambulation abilities of a user comprising:
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a frame moveable by a user while supporting the user during ambulation, handle means on said frame for gripping by the user and to receive the force from supporting a portion of the user'"'"'s weight during user ambulation, and means for measuring strain on said frame from supporting said user weight. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for determining the ambulation abilities of a user comprising:
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providing a user with an apparatus, said apparatus being moveable by the user while supporting a component of the user'"'"'s weight thereon during ambulation, equipping said apparatus with means for measuring the forces applied to said apparatus from supporting said user weight, measuring the forces applied to said apparatus during user ambulation, and evaluating the detected forces to determine patient physical status. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification